PETHERS, Edward Lester
| Service Numbers: | SX32102, S41131 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 20 January 1943, In The Field, WA |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | Not yet discovered |
| Born: | Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia , 13 October 1907 |
| Home Town: | Aldgate, Adelaide Hills, South Australia |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Not yet discovered |
| Died: | Paradise, South Australia, Australia, 1 December 1984, aged 77 years, cause of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: |
Enfield Memorial Park, South Australia Cremated |
| Memorials: |
World War 2 Service
| 20 Jan 1943: | Involvement Private, SX32102 | |
|---|---|---|
| 20 Jan 1943: | Involvement Private, S41131 | |
| 20 Jan 1943: | Enlisted In The Field, WA | |
| 20 Jan 1943: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Private, SX32102 | |
| 7 Nov 1945: | Discharged | |
| 7 Nov 1945: | Discharged Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Private, SX32102 |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Trevor Pyatt
Edward Lester "Ted" Pethers
Born: 13 October 1907, Broken Hill, New South Wales
Died: 1 December 1984, Paradise, South Australia (aged 77)
Buried: Cremated at Enfield Cemetery, South Australia
Family Background & Early Life
Edward Lester "Ted" Pethers was born on 13 October 1907 at Broken Hill, New South Wales. His birth was registered that year under No. 33549.
He was the son of Edward Pethers (1866–1943), who was born in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England, and migrated to Australia, and Beatrice Vale (1877–1962), born at Kadina, South Australia, of Cornish descent.
His parents were married on 18 April 1896 at Alma, New South Wales (Marriage Reg. No. 2647).
By the mid-1910s, the family had settled in Adelaide, living at Parkside. On 17 March 1916, Ted was baptised at St Augustine's Anglican Church, Unley.
First Marriage – Isabel Joy Kotz
On 10 June 1939, Ted married Isabel Joy Kotz (1919–2006) at St Paul's Church, Adelaide. Isabel was the daughter of Frederick Charles Kotz. Their engagement had been announced in the Advertiser on 23 July 1938.
Children of Edward & Isabel
They had several children, including:
Judith Ann Pethers (later Mattschoss)
Born 2 December 1939
Died 25 August 2011, aged 71
Buried at Kapunda Cemetery
Margaret Elizabeth Pethers
Born 6 July 1941
Died 13 August 1941, aged 1 month
Buried at Mitcham General Cemetery, Section E, Plot 395, in the same grave as her mother.
Edward Brian Pethers
Birth year uncertain
Died 21 December 2003
Buried at Drumminor Gardens, Ridgehaven, Rock Pool Garden 32
This marriage eventually ended, and Isabel survived long after Ted's death, passing away in 2006.
Second Marriage – Lillian "Lil / Birdie" Hank (formerly Moyle)
On 4 June 1966, Ted married Lillian "Lil / Birdie" Hank (1916–1991), the widow of Roy Ernest Fuller Moyle (1900–1962).
Through this marriage, Ted became stepfather to her three sons — John, Darryl, and Peter Moyle.
Together, Ted and Lillian lived at Paradise, South Australia, in Gorge Road.
Military Service – World War II
Ted enlisted in the Australian Military Forces at Kensington, South Australia, on 20 December 1941, with service number S41131, later transferring to the AIF as SX32102.
March 1942: Began full-time duty.
Served in transport and supply roles with 25 Labour Company, 122 General Transport Company, and 1st Armoured Division.
July 1944: Embarked for overseas service, joining HQ 3rd Australian Division in Bougainville during the Northern Solomons campaign.
7 November 1945: Discharged at Wayville, SA, after 1,350 days of service (469 overseas).
Received War Badge No. 141129.
His service was typical of many older recruits: practical skills were channelled into logistics and transport, ensuring vital supplies reached frontline troops.
Later Life & Death
After the war, Ted returned to civilian life as a lorry driver and buyer. With Lillian, he enjoyed a quieter life in retirement at 6/119 Gorge Road, Paradise.
He died at home on 1 December 1984, aged 77. Notices of his death and funeral were published in the Advertiser on 3–4 December 1984. He was cremated at Enfield Cemetery.
Lillian survived him by seven years, passing away in 1991, and was buried with her first husband, Roy Moyle, at Enfield Memorial Park.
Summary
Edward Lester "Ted" Pethers was the son of English-born Edward Pethers and South Australian-born Beatrice Vale, who themselves married at Alma, NSW, in 1896.
Born in Broken Hill and raised in Adelaide, Ted lived through the Depression, married twice, and raised a family. His war service took him to Bougainville, where his logistical work supported the Australian advance.
His first marriage to Isabel Joy Kotz produced several children, including Judith Ann, Margaret Elizabeth, Edward Brian, and at least one surviving daughter.
His second marriage to Lillian Hank (widow Moyle) gave him companionship and a blended family in his later years.
Ted's life reflects the journey of a working man of his era: grounded in duty, family, and service to his country.
Biography by Trevor Pyatt 4/10/2025
Click images to start slideshow.